Naomie: A cliffhanger? Moi? evil cackle There are plenty more twists and turns headed your way, so be prepared. :D Sorry it took so long to update, I couldn't figure out what to call this chapter! Lol But to make it up, this chapter is over 25 pages. :D
Just Me: Good to see you are sticking with me! :D It has been a great roller coaster with this fic. The highs and lows of writing have hit me, and I'm sure you can tell when the muse is prolific in her ramblings. :D As for the novel, I am in the process of it. I do hope to get published some day. As for the current situation and elves, are you SURE you know where this is going? EG It sucked to wound Eremae but I needed a gimp for the story.. LOL Think of it as a bonding experience.. they will ALL feel that camaraderie when this is over. At least I hope they do. Blasted elves! LOL Hope you like this one.. its long and took me FOREVER to pick out a name for! LOL
Beling: blush Thanks! I got tired of seeing the slash and incest fics on the site myself, so I decided to do the only solution I could think of. I hope I have described the relationships between the brothers to show that yes they argue and fight, but they would protect each other until the ends of the earth. Glad you liked the rain purging the world… it will be significant in later chapters. ;)
Lady of Light: WOO HOO! Glad to see ya sticking with me! Thought I lost ya there for a mo'. :D Thanks for the great review! Yes, we writers suffer at the hands of the plot and allow the muse to abuse and use us to produce the work that is published for the world to scrutinize. As for rose and raise, I have went through each chapter with the spell check actually its always 'on' and it gives me the wavy lines to let me know when something is misspelled or bad grammar. When everything is fixed, then it is sent to my beta who goes over it TWICE and then sends it back for my final edit, then its uploaded. As far as I know, the only major errors are the character names, but I overlook those. ;) Oh well… I'm not gonna dwell on them. If the reader can get the gist, then I think I'm ok. LOL Glad you liked the storm reference. I wrote that last year during all those monstrous thunderstorms, and wondered where I should put it. LOL Good to see I picked the right place! :D Sorry this chapter took so long… couldn't find a name to fit it but to make it up to the readers, its over 25 pages long. LOL
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Chapter Ten: A Port in the Storm
Morning dawned gray and drear through the lingering pearly-gray thunderclouds, tingeing them a deep blood red on the horizon to mark where the sun was rising. Haldir rose from his quick rest after Láiraen had relieved him from his watch a few hours before, and stretched languidly before turning his attention to Eremae.
The smaller elf was awake, though probably wishing for unconsciousness again as Orophin checked the heavily bandaged leg and made adjustments where needed. Eremae's teeth were clenched, his fists knotted at his side, and his face still very pale. His eyes were screwed shut as he fought the waves of nausea that swelled in his stomach and crested over his reserve.
Haldir wondered how much more the Mirkwood elf was going to take before passing out again, and breathed a sigh of relief when Orophin announced he was finished and started repacking his travel bag. Eremae relaxed back to calm down his panting breath.
"Haldir, Eremae can not travel on a broken leg," Orophin said when he reached his brother's side.
Haldir sighed, swiping stray hair from his eyes. Now that his hair had dried from the pouring rain the evening before, it was loose and flyaway, obscuring the March Warden's vision, "We can not linger here. Our kin may yet still be alive. We must find them--and quickly."
Orophin hated to admit it, but it had been over a week since they started this mission, and the chance their brethren were still alive was remote.
"Haldir, brother, you must accept the possibility that our kin are lost. We have traveled far and have found no signs of elf-kind traveling this way. If they were alive, surely they would have left behind a clue as to where they were taken, or that they still lived."
Haldir felt an icy stab in his chest and shook his head, "We can not stop now. I cannot accept our kin to be lost. We will carry Eremae if we have to, but I can not and will not abandon this quest when we are the only hope to those that are lost."
Orophin huffed and pursed his lips together. It was a trait he had inherited from their mother, and a sure sign of his agitation and disapproval.
"And if we encounter the humans? What then? Our numbers are small; we could not hope to win the battle. There is no way that Eremae can fight. He would only sustain further injury."
"I can not spare a protector for him," Haldir snapped a bit more curtly than he wanted.
Orophin pursed his lips so tightly that they disappeared. He hated when his brother got thickheaded and stubborn, "Eremae needs rest to allow his bone to heal. He can not fight if we head into a battle. We need to return home."
"No!" Haldir spat angrily, "We are close, I can sense it!"
Orophin balled his hands into fists turned on his heel and began haphazardly stuffing things into his travel bag. Eremae rose curiously into a sitting position and was talking softly to Orophin, his fair face ashen in color and a light sheen of sweat glistened because of the young elf's natural glow.
Haldir felt his heart wrench at the sight, and for a moment, he seriously considered sending Eremae back to Lothlorien with Orophin to care for him, but the idea was thoroughly squashed as images of the elves that had been taken looking hopefully in the distance for their kin to rescue them flooded his mind. His resolved hardened when Eremae told Orophin he would be fine, and though against Orophin's pleas, raised himself up on his injured leg, though the effort was causing his breath to hitch and his balance to sway, he stared determinately ahead and nodded his readiness to Haldir. Haldir nodded in return, his chest swelling with pride at the young elf's dedication.
Knowing that Eremae wouldn't be able to put much weight on his injured leg, Haldir's eyes skimmed the trees until he found what he sought, and within a few minutes, Eremae leaned against his new crutch. Gesturing his thanks he limped out of the alcove, following his comrades into the wild.
Orophin's lips were still completely gone as he strode purposefully passed his brother, giving him a dirty look and took up beside the hobbling elf, his hand on Eremae's back to let the small elf know he was being watched over.
The sky had lightened to a ghostly pale gray, streaked with vibrant hues of orange as the sun fought through the cloud cover. Going slow because of their injured companion, the Elven company found the clearing they had abandoned the day before. Now that the elements weren't against them, the elves easily found a path that struck out, their sharp blue eyes scanning everything for signs of recent travel by their prey.
As the group wound its way through the trees and underbrush, the sky overhead started to favor them, streaking briefly with coral as the sun peaked through the thinning clouds. By midday, the clouds gave up their battle and allowed the brilliant sun to shine on the golden heads of the elves. The sky wasn't the only reprieve: the thick trees and brambles gave way to large stretches of tall grass, dotted with the occasional tree, and tall hedge-like brush that formed a leafy wall here and there.
"We shall rest here," Haldir called to the elves, though he knew that they could have endured longer, Eremae was already panting from the exertion.
Eremae gratefully planted himself on the ground, the top of his fair head not visible over the tall grasses. The others followed suit, though they were far from exhaustion. They sat and ate in companionable conversation until Haldir hushed them and cocked his head.
The others looked at him curiously, their own hearing piqued for any strange sounds.
And then they heard it.
A faint rustling sound came from their left, near the edge of the glade in the shadow of a clump of trees. Something was moving, muffling its sounds and pacing stealthily just beyond the elves vision through the dense grasses.
Putting his fingers to his lips, Haldir motioned for Múrendil to accompany him. The two slipped away from the group, who lowered themselves further into the grass for better camouflage. The two elves slipping away also took advantage of the high grasses, hiding their disengagement and their strike pattern as they crawled through the glade.
Rúmil, Orophin, and Láiraen converged protectively around Eremae, who had his sword already drawn in his hands. He may have been injured, but he wasn't going to go down without a fight, and would not let the others fight his battle for him.
Haldir crawled through the grass breaking away from Múrendil, calculating on going wide enough to come up on the thing from behind and surprise their unwanted guest. Haldir winced as sharp stones jabbed his palms and knees as he crawled. When he positioned himself, he let out a soft call of a bird's song, signaling to Múrendil that their time to attack had come.
Pulling his sword from its scabbard silently, Haldir mentally counted down, then lunged out from his hiding place, Múrendil mirroring his actions across from him.
No one was there.
Frowning, Haldir caught the quick shadow of a form skirting behind a tree in his peripheral vision. Already getting fed up with the individual, Haldir walked swiftly to the tree, his sword held at the ready. He spun around the trunk, sword diagonal across his chest, and met thin air once again. With a frustrated grimace, he turned to Múrendil, when a form dropped in front of him and tapped him across the chest with a long slender stick, tipped with a bright red pigment that stained a slash across the elf's arms and chest.
"Got you!" the person screeched, then stammered as Haldir's sword rested against their throat, "Oh my! I am sorry. I believed you to be someone else."
The figure was cloaked in a strange billowing robe that had the pattern of leaves and bark woven into the fabric, blending it in perfectly with the forest. The stranger pulled off the dark cowl to reveal a human woman. She was almost as tall as Haldir, her skin darker than most humans, with a braided crown of raven hair and deep emerald green eyes, which were wild with fear as the blade rested lightly across her exposed throat.
Her eyes widened as her hands dropped the long sticks in her hand when she felt the sharp tip of Múrendil's arrow nudge her in the back. She held her hands up in a submissive manner, her breath held in anticipation.
"Who are you and what were you doing spying on us?" Haldir demanded.
The submissive manner dropped instantly and replaced with a superior, haughty look, "My name is Amarah and this is my father's land on which you stand. He is the lord of this estate and I demand to know what brings you onto our lands?"
Haldir felt like scoffing at the woman's request as he sighed and lowered his sword and looked away from her, his eyes searching the surrounding area for further threat.
Amarah was about to demand an answer when she took better notice of the man in front of her. He had pointy ears and an elegant sword of an unknown design held firmly in his large, strong hand. She turned to look at the person holding the sharp arrow against her back and stifled a gasp as she noticed that he bore a resemblance to the one in front of her, right down to the head of golden hair and brilliant blue eyes.
"You are elves, are you not?" she asked in awe.
Haldir turned a penetrating stare back to her, "Yes, lady Amarah. We do not wish to intrude but we have tracked a band of men to your lands. We do not intend to stay or cause you unrest, only to find our kin and return to our home."
Amarah regarded the elf for a moment then said, "I believe you speak the truth."
Haldir raised an elegant brow and surveyed the young woman carefully, "You think I would lie?"
"I do not know of your or of your kind, so I do not know how you compose yourselves," Amarah said with an air of arrogance. "But I can tell when I am being lied to, and you are truthful, so therefore, I will believe what you say."
Haldir gave a mock half bow. Múrendil relaxed his posture, though still very wary.
"And to ensure that you find your kin and travel safely, I shall accompany you through our lands," Amarah said matter-of-factly.
Haldir opened his mouth to protest, but Amarah cut him off, "This is my home and my people. I cannot allow you to roam freely. If the guards were to have found you, well," Amarah sighed shaking her head and chuckled, "Then there would be no Elves to find your lost kin."
Haldir would have loved to point out that it would take a lot of bring down an elf, especially one in the woodlands, but he remained quiet and only nodded in a polite, curt way to the young woman.
"Besides," Amarah said, looking between the two as Múrendil came to stand beside Haldir, his bow still held firmly in his grasp, "Our estate is vast and you will require escorts to ensure your safety. I do not want to be held accountable for you losing your way and encountering the sentries that guard the manor."
"We have avoided them thus far," Haldir said irritably, though truth be told, they hadn't been expecting to find any sort of guardians in the forest.
Amarah scoffed with an authoritative manner, "They are not out this far. Nevertheless you would have encountered them and not have gotten far."
"You are out this far. Surely they guard you at all times," Haldir said, his ire rising at this woman's proud proclamations.
With a pout, Amarah sighed, "We come here to play and not put up with the guards and their over protectiveness." She glanced around to the woods, sighing and said with a note of whininess to her voice, "I guess the game is finished for today." Taking a deep breath and cupping her hands to her mouth, she shouted, "Etáin! Eotrán! Calorad! Game has ended!"
Haldir and Múrendil flinched from Amarah's shrill voice. Haldir frowned when she crossed her arms and waited, tapping her foot on the ground impatiently.
"Who…?" Haldir started to ask when shouts answered back.
"Why?"
"Are you hurt?"
"Amarah, where are you?"
"Over here!" Amarah shouted, then adopted a bird song similar to the one the Galadhrim used to launch an attack on intruders.
Haldir subconsciously tensed, his hand griping the ivory hilt of his sword, waiting for an attack.
The sound of crashing footsteps and mingled voices alerted the elves to the approach of three others, dressed identically to Amarah.
"What is wrong?" a tall sturdy boy with sandy-blond hair asked as he neared, pulling his hood off his head and looking from Amarah to the two strangers, "Are you all right? Did they threaten you?"
Two smaller boys appeared behind the sandy-haired boy, emerging on either side of him and pulling out small blades from under their cloaks. The two were identical, right down to the dark hair and pale eyes and menacing scowl they wore. They glared in turn at the two strangers next to their friend and held their weapons at the ready, trying to seem tough, though they would not even reach Haldir's shoulders in height. Múrendil brought his bow up, but Haldir placed his hand on the elf's arm and shook his head, communicating that it wasn't necessary. Múrendil lowered his weapon but remained transfixed on the three newcomers.
"I am fine," Amarah said stepping from the elves flanking her, "They are Elves. See their ears?"
The three boys leaned slightly and exclaimed when they noticed the points.
The sandy-haired boy stepped forward and extended his hand warmly, "My name is Calorad. And these are the troublesome twins," he added with a grin.
One of the twins elbowed Calorad hard in the ribs and extended his hand in greeting as well, "I am Etáin. This is Eotrán. Honored to meet a real elf."
Haldir took each offered hand in return, his expression neutral, but inside he felt self-conscious with all the attention and stares at his ears, "I am Haldir. This is Múrendil."
Calorad and the twins made to greet the elf in the same fashion as Haldir, but Haldir stepped between them when he noticed Múrendil tense.
"He does not speak or understand your language nor your customs," Haldir explained.
The twins' faces fell, Calorad looked shocked and dismayed.
Haldir turned and spoke quietly in Elvish to Múrendil, who nodded once, looking at the three humans and swept his hand over his heart and bowed his head in Elvish gesture, "Mae govannen."
Calorad and the twins grinned broadly and repeated the phrase and gesture.
"Such a beautiful tongue," Amarah said with a smile. "And it seems you now have the rapt attention of three students."
Haldir laugh was like of sound of a melody of bells as he regarded the three who were now repeating the Elvish gesture and phrase of welcome back and forth to one another.
Amarah cleared her throat to get their attention and said with a smile, "The Elves will be traveling through our home in search for their lost kin. I do not want to hear of any of you irritating them with questions. Am I understood?"
The trio bowed their heads and murmured their agreement.
"Haldir? Múrendil?" Rúmil said, his voice carried by the wind to the keen hearing of the two.
Amarah's eyes grew wide as she looked around frantically. Calorad frowned curiously, having not understood the reason for her reaction or heard the fair Elven voices. The twins looked spooked, their eyes flickering over the grassy glen, searching out the source of the soft voice.
"Ah, that is the rest of our party," Haldir explained.
"More elves?" the twins chimed in together, then set off at a sprint towards Rúmil's voice.
"No! Wait!" Haldir said, taking off after the retreating backs of the twins, knowing that his brothers and the rest in the company would be anticipating an attack. He shouted ahead in Elvish to warn the others that friends were approaching.
Amarah, Calorad, and Múrendil followed after Haldir and the twins.
Etáin gained a step before his brother and raced through the grass, dodging the trees and occasional thicket until he nearly fell over a crouching Orophin. He skidded to a halt, but the momentum took him hard to the ground on his backside as he stared up, open mouthed at Orophin's large frame before him.
The two stared at each other for a fraction of a second until Eotrán crashed into the back of his brother and tumbled over his head.
Orophin's reflexes were quick as he caught the young boy before he hit the ground. Eotrán gasped at the elf that held him, then stuttered, "Mae.. mae govannen."
Orophin grinned and nodded to the youth, "Mae govannen."
Haldir came upon the others and heaved a sigh of relief.
Etáin looked up at the newcomer, then pointed over to Orophin, "Mae govannen."
Amarah, Calorad, and Múrendil arrived behind Haldir, coming up beside him and gaping at the scene.
Orophin set Eotrán back onto his feet. Amarah rushed forward, fussing over the twins in turn, "What were you two thinking? What if they had thought you were attacking?"
"We are fine. There is nothing to worry about," Eotrán scoffed.
"Yeah," Etáin said, waving Amarah off and pointing at Orophin, "Mae govannen."
Amarah opened her mouth to chastise the twins when laughter drew the attention to the two elves flanking another sitting on the ground. All three had weapons in their hands, though at the moment, were conversing in Elvish and smiling at the twin humans.
"More Elves!" Etáin said cheerfully, "Mae govannen!"
The three elves repeated the greeting and looked to Haldir, their faces shining with amusement.
Haldir held up his hands and spoke in Elvish, "Peace. We have traveled on their land and they offered help in searching for our missing brethren."
Orophin rose from the grass and stood before his brother, his voice soft as to not give away his question, "You trust them?"
"Nay," Haldir answered, "But they may be useful in our search. They say their lands are guarded and offered us passage. I do not wish to encounter an enemy if it can be avoided."
"I do not like the idea of the humans as our allies. Our numbers are small. If they choose to alert others of our presence, we have not the strength to fight them off," Orophin stressed, though kept his voice even.
Haldir shook his head in compliance, "I agree with you, Brother, but if we act hostile, they will most certainly raise an alarm. Keep your manner civil and we may gain their trust to allow us free roam of their lands."
"Do you think they are the ones responsible for the attack on Elven borders?" Orophin asked pleasantly.
Haldir smiled and shook his head, keeping his voice soft, "I do not think they are. The prints were of thick, heavy boots, made by males. These humans are far to small to be behind the attacks."
The humans watched the elf called Haldir converse with the other elf in front of them, their voices low and even as they spoke in Elvish.
Amarah tossed her head back unnecessarily and cleared her throat to gain attention, "Lord Haldir, are you hiding others on my land in hopes of an attack?"
Haldir gave his brother a look that clearly said their conversation was now over. Orophin huffed, turning his back to the humans and Haldir.
"We are under no such intent. This is my brother, Orophin and there is my other brother, Rúmil." Orophin nodded curtly over his shoulder at the mention of his name, Rúmil grinned good-naturedly and watched the humans with interest as Haldir continued. "They know a little of your language, though do not speak it well."
"That is Láiraen and the one sitting down is Eremae. They, like Múrendil, do not understand your language and I translate to them what you have to say," Haldir explained, hoping that Amarah would believe him and not call for guards.
Amarah looked at each elf in turn as he was introduced. When her eyes fell on Eremae, sitting on the ground with his leg bound and blood staining the wraps, her eyes grew large.
"What has happened?"
Haldir motioned for Eremae to relax as he said to Amarah, "We were traveling and found a trap. Eremae was caught and it broke his leg."
Amarah knelt beside the injured elf, her hands lightly tracing the wrappings. She huffed up hotly and gazed to Haldir with eyes cold and furious, "We have poachers who set those horrible things all over my father's lands. They are vile, wretched things that only seem to ensnare the innocent. We have tried to capture them, but so far, have failed."
Amarah's gaze softened when she turned to Eremae, "I am sorry for your encounter with those wicked things. You will come to the manor to recover."
Eremae looked questioningly to Haldir, who startled at the woman's words and knelt beside her.
"The offer is most gracious, but we could not impose such a thing."
"Nonsense," Amarah raised a brow at the elf and slightly rose her head in a dignified manner, "This injury occurred on our lands to one of your people. Had we been more protective and stern with our lands and the laws that govern them, this would not have happened. To offer our home as refuge to those that had suffered because of our negligence is the honorable thing to do. You and your companions shall take shelter in my home to allow your friend time to heal. And I will help you search our lands for your kin, and hopefully catch the trappers and put an end to their business."
Orophin, having understood some of what Amarah had said, quickly turned to Haldir, "Eremae needs the rest and our supplies are low."
"I do not trust them," Rúmil said with an innocent look to his brother.
Haldir took in their words and Eremae's pale complexion and answered Amarah, "We do not wish to be a burden."
"There is no burden," Amarah said softly, placing her hand on Haldir's arm, "Allow us to help. I do not want you leaving with the idea that we injure, then turn away those that need our help."
Haldir nodded, then turned to the others and explained that Amarah offered them a sanctuary to recover. Though wary, the Elves agreed with the decision the March Warden had made and mumbled to themselves in Elvish.
"They have agreed and thank you for your hospitality," Haldir said with a bow of his head.
Eotrán and Etáin listened to the Elves conversation intently, their eyes wide and unblinking. Calorad mirrored their awe, his face slack as he watched and listened to the lyrical voices of the fair beings.
"I must ask forgiveness for three things," Amarah said as she rose with the Elves. Haldir quirked a brow in question as Amarah pointed to Eremae's wounded leg, "I am sorry for the pain your kin has sustained on our lands. And I apologize for marking you during the game," Amarah smiled and pointed to the discoloration across Haldir's chest.
"And the last thing?" Haldir asked with a small smile.
"For those three," Amarah pointed over her shoulder to Calorad and the twins. "For all the questions they will ask and their never-ending babble."
Haldir's smile broadened as he noticed the twins talking animatedly to one another about the Elves. Calorad helped Eremae on his feet and was asking rapid questions of Orophin and Rúmil, both of whom knew little of the human's tongue and exchanged withering looks as he continued his inquiries, seemingly never stopping to take a breath.
Calorad whistled several short bursts, grinning at Rúmil who walked beside him into the clearing.
The reason for the summons was answered almost immediately by heavy pounding hooves and the high pitched whinnying of horses. Into the clearing the horses broke, nickering at the sight of their masters and prancing to their sides.
The lead horse, a large, silver mare with a white mane, tossed her head at Amarah, cantering to her and nudged the human with her muzzle. The three other horses were midnight black, save for the splashes each had on their shiny coats. The largest, which was a stallion, sported a wisp of silver hair through his ebony mane and cuddled against Calorad affectionately.
The last two horses, which were obviously for the twins, pranced away from the two brothers, cantering back and forth, nickering in a mocking way. Their coats too were an onyx color, though one sported four silver-white feet. The other was streaked with silver that raced across his back and hindquarters, which he showed off as he restlessly nudged at his playmate, turning from side to side and whinnying. The last horse resembled a living, moving piece of lightning-streaked sky.
"The injured elf can take a horse and ride with me to the manor. The others will lead you and your kin," Amarah said to Haldir as she patted her horse's neck.
"I do not think that is a good idea," Haldir said.
Amarah gave Haldir a look that stated quite clearly that she was not used to having her wishes rescinded, "And why is that? It is obvious that he needs a healer. Surely you do not want him to linger in pain?"
Haldir's voice was strong and steady as he glared at the human woman, "I do care for his health, but I must think of all under my command. If the way is guarded as you say, would it not be wiser to stay together? The guards may not listen to your companions' assurances that we are permitted within your realm. I do not wish for more injuries or hostile guards."
Amarah frowned, thinking over what Haldir had said, and the wisdom behind his words. After a time, she nodded, "We travel together then. But we do not have enough horses for all of you."
Haldir shook his head, "We can walk."
"It is rather far," Amarah said, "If you require rest, just say so and we will stop."
Haldir nodded his head, knowing that the elves could outmatch the woman when it came to endurance, no matter how haughty she was, but remained quiet. Besides, Eremae's broken leg would slow them down considerably, and they had already squandered much time.
"Well, you may do what you wish," Amarah said with a slight smile, "But I for one do not take well to traveling by foot."
"Elf, sir, would your friend like to ride Sasmah? She is gentle; she will not hurt him. It would be better for him to not walk," Eotrán asked timidly.
Haldir looked at the young, human boy and gave a broad smile, "You may call me Haldir, and it is very kind of you to offer your horse."
Eotrán blushed a deep scarlet as Haldir turned to Eremae and explained the boy's offer. Eremae inclined his head to Eotrán and smiled, speaking in his ancient language.
Eotrán's face beamed as he offered Sasmah's reigns to the limping elf. He turned expectantly to Haldir, his eyes asking the question before his lips could form the words.
"He said 'Thank you my friend'," Haldir smirked at the youth, who was now positively twittering with delight.
"He called me 'friend'?" Eotrán glowed as he gave his brother a superior look.
Amarah giggled as she mounted her steed, swinging her leg over the mare's back and settling herself in the saddle.
Haldir noticed Amarah's posture and noted that she rode like a male, leg on either side of the horse instead of both legs together in sidesaddle fashion that was customary for females. He glanced at her hands, seeing the long thin fingers and expertly manicured nails. There were no blemishes of any kind. They looked smooth and agile, like they have never seen a hard day's work. Haldir's eyes traveled up her straight, poised body and realized that she probably had never lifted a finger in work in her entire life. She possessed the deportment and grace that esteemed dignitaries adopted for formal functions.
Definitely of noble birth.
Calorad and Etáin offered their horses to the other elves that, after Haldir translated for them, respectively declined and walked around their injured companion, flanking him and remaining watchful of their surroundings. Calorad and Etáin thought it best that they walk as well, and led their horses by their tethers, and came to a pace beside the elves.
Rúmil and Orophin flanked Haldir who walked several steps behind Amarah's horse.
"Haldir, I do not like this," Rúmil spoke softly in Elvish.
"Neither do I," Haldir said evenly, "But if their guards are out here, I do not wish to run into them. We cannot afford to lose any more of our numbers. Besides, we may need their guidance through their lands as to avoid trouble."
"You know we need no such thing," Orophin stated hotly, "We could travel faster without them, and you know it."
"I do know, Orophin," Haldir said, his nerves frayed from his brothers' constant complaints and reminders, not to mention the tug that played on the edges of his mind.
"We should tell them that we are able to travel without them and leave them to their own," Rúmil put in testily.
"What would you have me do, Brothers?" Haldir said with clipped tones, though he wanted to shout his frustrations at the two to vent off everything that was welling up, "Do you wish me to ignore the pain I see in Eremae's eyes and allow us to return home, defeated? Our kin is out there, dependent on us to rescue them! Do you not remember Iavasriel? Her life is depending on us!"
Orophin's face immediately fell, his features drawn and pale, "I do remember her, Haldir. I can not forget about the one I called Sister for many centuries." Orophin's voice was barely over a whisper, though he knew his words carried to his brother's ears. "I feel an emptiness within me every day, but I also worry about the lives of those around me, especially the two most precious to me."
Haldir looked to Orophin, his brow drawn slightly. Never had he heard Orophin speak thus. He cocked his head, wondering what had brought on the change in Orophin's demeanor.
"I did not know that you felt so strongly," Haldir admitted.
Orophin shrugged, his eyes lowering in bewilderment, "For too long have I allowed bitterness to plague my heart. If danger should befall either of you, I do not wish my last words to be in anger."
Haldir smiled and placed his hand on Orophin's shoulder and gave him a playful tug, "Since when have you become so wise?"
Orophin snorted and rolled his eyes, but understood the layers of wisdom and insight with which Haldir spoke. His heart lifted at the thought that his brothers would be by his side, and that there was no ill feelings hovering between them.
Rúmil remained quiet through the exchange, thinking that it was something that was best shared between the two of them, for theirs was the most pronounced wedge. When peace settled, he resigned to the situation at hand, "The rest would do us some good though I feel a heaviness in my heart. For why it settles there, I know not, but it leaves me uneasy."
"Perhaps this is a good thing," Orophin put in, trying to lighten the mood that had settled on the three. "We can learn of their culture and perhaps forge an alliance."
Haldir raised a brow at Orophin, not believing his ears and sighed with exasperation.
"What?" Orophin asked.
"And why would we need allies? Remind me, Brother, when was the last time we were threatened and could not protect ourselves and needed humans to aid us?" Haldir asked with a bit of annoyance tinged with amusement.
Orophin scoffed, tossing his blond hair over his shoulder in an arrogant manner, puffing himself up, "I did not say we needed their protection. I believe I am capable of defending us, even if you feel you are not."
Haldir and Rúmil exchanged glances and rolled their eyes, knowing that Orophin was trying to bait them again into a debate over who possessed the best skills in combat. The three brothers remained quiet for a time, ignoring the occasional glance Amarah would throw over her shoulder. The sounds of the horse's feet echoed around the trees, mingling with the soft voices of Calorad and the twins questioning the Elves that traveled around their wounded kin.
"Is it common for elf's to have such light hair?"
"I have never seen such a color before."
"Me neither."
"Do your ears hurt?"
"Were you born like that or did your parents do that to them?"
"Can I touch them?"
For the most part, Láiraen, Múrendil, and Eremae seemed unbothered by the myriad of questions, perhaps thinking the three humans were talking to one another, instead of flooding them with inquiries. Haldir hid his smirk as Calorad leaned closer to Múrendil, inspecting his ears, his brow drawn in concentration at the differences in the Elven ear.
"Boys! That is quite enough!" Amarah snapped. "Do not be pests to our guests."
The twins immediately stopped their interrogation. Calorad, having enough of the silent Elves, approached Haldir and his brothers and said timidly, "I am sorry for all the questions, and I am sorry if I bothered your friends."
"They believed you to be talking to one another," Haldir said, his ears distinctly hearing Láiraen's comment about the humans finally shutting up.
"It is so strange to get to meet someone who we only know in childish bedtime stories. To think," Calorad said with wide eyes to Haldir and his brothers, all of whom were looking at him in interest, "I am actually talking to real elves!"
The woods around the travelers began to thicken again. Thick trunks of oak, ash, acajou, beech, and many others grew tightly together, creating a leafy canopy overhead, though, unlike the mallorn trees with their golden leaves, these were vibrant green.
Rúmil, Orophin and Haldir laughed at the human boy, though only Haldir understood every word he said. Amarah pulled her horse back a little to catch the conversation. Though she was older than the other three, she was just as curious as they were about the fair beings accompanying them.
"Stories?" Orophin said with a heavy accent, having not the practice that Haldir had. "What do they say?"
Haldir favored his brother with an encouraging smile. He tried to get Orophin and Rúmil to practice their Common Speech, but they preferred Elvish and often complained about their broken, accented attempts.
"Is it true that Elves live forever?" Calorad asked.
"Yes," Rúmil said, earning a small smile for Haldir as well, and a shocked expression from Calorad. "Elves are eternal."
"Wow!" Calorad gasped.
"And for how long have you wandered here on Middle Earth?" Amarah asked, now enthralled with the conversation.
"Elves perceive time differently than humans," Haldir explained. "We do not feel the Ages as you do. I have lived on Middle Earth for nearly six thousand years."
Amarah's jaw dropped as she stared at Haldir.
"And your brothers… they are thousands of years old as well?" Calorad asked, his face fixed in an expression of awe.
"Wow!" chimed the twins from behind, which had sneaked into the conversation unnoticed.
"They are, though a few centuries younger," Haldir said, resisting the urge to laugh at the humans' faces.
Múrendil's voice floated from behind the awestruck humans, the sound lyrical, like the sound of bells in Elvish, "Commander! The trees!"
Haldir's eyes darted to the foliage hovering over them and without even trying, found the sentry placed high in the boughs.
"Lady Amarah, is all well?" the sentry called.
"All is well. These are my guests and are to be allowed to roam without interruption,' Amarah answered.
"Yes, my lady. As you wish," said the sentry, disappearing into the leafy surroundings instantly, blending into the woods just like an elf.
Rúmil gave Haldir a poignant look. Haldir quickened his pace to match the slow walk of Amarah's horse.
"Thank you, Amarah. You are most gracious to allow us access to your lands and offer your kindness."
Amarah smiled broadly at Haldir, her eyes twinkling, "I do not wish ill feelings between our people. It is best to extend the hand of friendship, than to draw back the hand of hostility."
"Spoken like a true ambassador," Haldir said.
"I have been taught much by my father's orders and rarely get the chance to put them to into practice," Amarah explained.
"Haldir?" Eotrán's voice called, "Is it true elves eat children who are naughty?"
Haldir wanted to laugh at the question, but the looks on the humans faces made him keep his resolve and answer with a kind voice, "Elves do not eat children."
"Or take them away from their parents?" Etáin asked cautiously.
Haldir smirked and shook his head, "Elves never kidnap either. It is against our nature. We tend to avoid humankind, preferring to be left alone. We do not trouble ourselves with the world of Men, least of all, come into their villages and remove their children. You have heard false tales, young one."
"Ah ha!" Eotrán exclaimed triumphantly. "Let Mother try that threat with us again!"
"We can let her know we talked to a real elf and got the truth!" Etáin said, slapping his fist into his palm to punctuate his point.
Eotrán nodded, then turned warily to his twin, "But what if it is a lie?
"And he only said that to trick us?" Etáin said slowly, turning to Haldir with a skeptical look.
Haldir couldn't hold back his mirth any longer and broke out into fits of laughter, the soft melodic sounds filling the air. The other elves gave the March Warden curious looks, and after he explained the twins fears, they too broke out in laughter.
"Be at ease, young ones," Haldir said when he regained his composure. "We are an honorable race. We are of no threat to you or your friends."
"You promise?" Etáin asked his eyes still narrow and suspicious.
"And a promise can not be broken," Eotrán added, as if it was not common knowledge.
"It is a promise and an oath," Haldir said as he placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head.
The twins grinned and copied the gesture, then started repeating the Elven greeting they had learned.
Amarah smiled at Haldir, "I am truly sorry for their behavior."
"There is nothing to be sorry for, Amarah," Haldir said sincerely, "They are just curious and full of youthful energy."
"Give it some time, it will start to wear on your nerves," Amarah sighed.
"Haldir!" Eotrán exclaimed, bouncing on his feet, "Do you have children? Could they come and play with us?"
"Yes! Will you bring elf children for us to play with?" Etáin asked, his voice pitching in his excitement.
"I do not have children," Haldir said flatly, "I have not wed."
Orophin leaned next to Rúmil, speaking in Elvish, loud enough for Haldir to hear, "That he knows of."
Haldir cast a steely look behind him to his brothers, who were laughing heartily.
"No elf children to play with?" Eotrán repeated dispiritedly.
"I believe the youngest elves are well over two thousand years old," Haldir though to all the elves of Lothlorien and that last time he heard an infant cry--a sound he didn't wish to ever hear again. His ears still rang with the wails from the last elflings.
Rúmil smirked at the two walking beside his older brother, "Elladan and Elrohir are young."
Haldir had forgotten about the Elven grandsons of his Lord and Lady, "I had forgotten about the twins."
"Twins?!" Eotrán and Etáin exclaimed in unison.
Haldir chuckled, "They are the sons of Lord Elrond of Imladris, and the grandsons of the Lord and Lady of my realm."
"Oh, what are your Lord and Lady like?" Etáin asked excitedly.
"Later, Brother! Haldir, tell us of the elf twins! Are twins common?" Eotrán said, his eyes shining with curiosity.
"Enough with the questions you two!" Amarah snapped, "You annoy them."
The twins fell silent, their faces falling in sadness as they continued to walk, their steps sluggish. Rúmil and Orophin were walking next to Láiraen, Múrendil, and the horse that carried Eremae. After Amarah's harsh rebuke of the twins, the air seemed to thicken with tension, which caused everyone to become edgy.
A few minutes passed, then Láiraen began to hum. Múrendil joined in, followed almost at once by the other elves, who recognized the tune and held a special place in their hearts for the ancient melody.
Máryat Elentari ortan
Nai hiruvalye Valimar
Auta i lome!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
Sindarnóriello caita mornië i falmalinnar
Múrendil and Eremae rotated the humming background as the others pitched and sang out, the very wood vibrating with their voices, lifting and enhancing with nature's symphony.
The human companions had never heard such music and listened intently, even the horses stilled their nickering as neighing as the elves sang. The trees swayed in a gentle rhythm, keeping time for the Elven contingent.
The elves sang with their human escorts journeying through the trees, the songs distracting as the day wore on into evening. As the last song wound down into a soft continuing note that gradually stilled into the thrum of the woods around, the elves looked peacefully to one another, their hearts much lighter.
Amarah breathed long and low, "That was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I did not know a single word of it, but I know it was ancient and very powerful."
Haldir flushed in embarrassment, "It is ancient indeed. Many Elven songs have been sung for generations, same say that even the Vala sing such songs on the Havens."
"Sounds wonderful," Amarah smiled at the elf.
"Home," Calorad sighed contentedly.
Haldir's eyes fell on a most strange sight. The clearing they walked to was not only barren of trees, shrubs, and grasses, but also of earth. The ground was cast with large and small stones all around, stretching out far and wide in all directions, encircling a large barrier. The barrier rivaled the trees in height, hewn tightly together, leaving no gap between the rough planks.
"My Lady Amarah!" a guard called from a high loft built on the top of the barrier.
"Peace. These are friends. One has been injured by a poacher's trap and needs the healer," Amarah called back.
The guard nodded, though only the keen sight of the elves detected it, then barked orders to those behind the protecting wooden shield, "Open the gates! Call for the healer at once!"
The Elves held back grins at the look of the platform where the guards stood watch. It was a large, flat circular platform, roofed in an identical fashion, the images resembling the Elvish flets that the Galadhrim used.
A deep creaking noise drew the Elves' attention to a split forming between two planks.
Amarah nudged her horse forward, followed by the twins, Haldir, Rúmil, Orophin, Calorad, Eremae, Láiraen and finally Múrendil. As Haldir passed, he noted the thickness of the planks were as broad as he was. Knowing that for a border of such dimensions to be extremely heavy, he expected there to be a large contingent of men operating the levered doorway. He suppressed a gasp at the site of the two horses hooked to a halter. They were two of the largest horses the March Warden had ever seen, even in all his centuries of travel.
Both horses were a light gray in color, dappled with dark spots all over their bodies. If their coats weren't odd enough, their height certainly called for attention. Both easily dwarfed the men maneuvering them. Their heads were larger than a man's entire body, their eyes the size of fists, lustrous blue and gentle. Their legs were thick as tree trunks, and the men walked without bending beneath them and spoke words of encouragement as the animals bore their burdens.
When the other elves entered the barrier, they didn't hide their expressions of awe and gasps of surprise at the sight of the beautiful creatures.
The large horses neighed at the new arrivals. Amarah's horse whinnied in greeting; the others followed suit, tossing their heads and swishing their tails.
With a whistle, the wrangler for the large beasts directed them backwards. The creaking of the barrier being closed sounded around, echoing off the open spaces and dotted buildings of a courtyard. When the barrier closed, the wrangler spoke lovingly to the large horses, then dipped his hands into a large container and offered the contents of his hands to them. The horses nickered in delight, flicking their plate-sized ears as they greedily munched on their treats.
Amarah laughed at the awed look on the elves' faces, "They are rather spoiled, as you can tell."
"What breed are they?" Haldir asked when he finally pulled his eyes away from the sight. "I have never seen a horse of that size before."
"Father traded for them on one of his many trips," Amarah said swerving her horse to a long stable on the left. "I do not recall their place of origin."
For the first time, Haldir looked around the courtyard they had entered. It was cobbled with smooth multicolored stones, accented with long overflowing, well maintained flowerbeds. Some of them stretched from building to building. The stable to the left was large enough to house all of Lorthlorien's horses twice over. The side of the stable disappeared behind foliage, and flushed along the thick barrier seamlessly.
Directly in front of the party was a grand palatial estate, forming a semicircle, complete with powder white columns that supported a canopied entrance.
The far right of the enclosed courtyard was dotted with several small cottages that had smaller, less grand canopies hovering over their entrances. The barrier could be seen through the gaps, its expanse evidently enclosing the whole of the manor and part of the stables.
Several people emerged from the stable and took the horses' reigns, leading them back into their stalls and talking animatedly with one another about the strangers accompanying Amarah. Several servants openly commented about the pointy ears and fair blond heads.
Múrendil and Rúmil helped Eremae off the horse and steadied him as a stable boy took the horse and lead it away. Láiraen and Múrendil flanked the hobbling elf, their eyes watchful, their steps slow to match that of their injured comrade.
"Follow me," Amarah said, heading for the main house.
Calorad fell into step beside Haldir, "I hope she puts you in the east wing!"
Haldir favored the youth with a questioning expression, "And why is that?"
"That is where I stay," Calorad grinned, then pointed over his shoulder to the twins who were now with Rúmil and Orophin, both of whom were trying to catch the words rattling out of twins mouths. The two elves weren't very successful, as they cocked their heads and drew down their brows in confusion.
"Etáin and Eotrán are in the west wing."
"Any why are they in the west, and not the east?" Haldir asked.
The group approached the manor, which was a constructed by large smooth stones, highly polished and situated close together. The stairs leading into the manor were made of black marble, slightly dusted. The columns holding up the entrance awning were made of little stones, packed tightly together and sealed with a glaze substance that made them shine, even on the shadowed side.
Haldir glanced at the building, noting its construction, then returned his attention back to Calorad who still walked and talked at his side.
Calorad smiled and pointed at the twins, "They live in the larger quarters with their family. Their parents and older brother work for Amarah's father. The east wing is for important guests, that are much smaller than the ones used for entire families."
"And you have your quarters in the east?" Haldir raised a brow.
Calorad's mood instantly changed to a saddened expression, his voice dropped and his eyes lowered, "My mother was Amarah's nursemaid until she grew sick. She died five years ago, when I was fourteen. Amarah promised that I would be kept safe and could stay as long as I wanted."
"That was very generous of Amarah to accept responsibility for you," Haldir said, his demeanor changing to sympathy, remembering how hard it was for he and his brothers to accept the deaths of their parents. He inwardly cringed, wondering what it would be like to lose a parent so early in life, and felt his heart darken at the thought of the short time that humans have on the earth and the suffering they endure in their short life spans.
"She is my best friend," Calorad said with a grin, "She and I grew up together, though she is six years my senior and the daughter of a powerful lord."
"Danith! This elf has been injured. Please, tend him well," Amarah said as they entered the manor. A tall, regal looking man with dark hair and eyes bowed his head and frowned, looking at the collection of new comers.
"An elf? Amarah, what have you gotten yourself into now?" Danith asked in a raspy voice.
"He was caught in a poachers trap and has broken his leg," Amarah said sympathetically.
"Oh!" Danith's eyes widened upon seeing the elf's bloody bindings and his ashen complexion. "Follow me, master Elf."
Múrendil and Láiraen looked curiously to the human, clearly perturbed at his instructions.
Orophin motioned Láiraen to pass Eremae's weight onto himself, asking the confused elf to remain with Haldir. Rúmil asked the same of Múrendil as he accepted the weight of the injured elf. Both brothers feared to leave their brother's side in the strange place, but they understood Common Speech, though only to a small degree and could assist the healer in his work. Their voices were soft as they talked to Murendil and Láiraen, telling them to guard Haldir's side. At their words, Haldir sighed with exasperation and glared at his two brothers. The two elves nodded, then flanked Haldir.
"Take them to the east wing," Amarah commanded, "We will be there shortly."
"Are we not to follow?" Haldir asked, his face not revealing his suspicion.
Danith nodded and motioned for the three elves to follow him, "This way, please."
Amarah waited until Orophin, Eremae, and Rúmil disappeared before she turned to Haldir. "They will be well taken care of. Danith is the best. Now please, follow me. I will take you to my father."
Haldir felt a lump lodge itself in his throat as he followed the human down a long hallway. He felt the strange tingling return to his conscious. Silently, he thanked the two elves flanking him, ever watchful and protective of their kin. Hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst, Haldir secretly thanked his brother's over-protectiveness, and prayed that the feeling nagging at his mind would abate.